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-====== Transformational Learning Theory ======
-===== General =====
-Transformational learning theory is a [[learning_paradigms:humanism|humanist learning theory]] introduced by [[http://nlu.nl.edu/academics/cas/ace/resources/JackMezirow.cfm|Jack Mezirow]] in 1981(([[http://aeq.sagepub.com/content/32/1/3.abstract|Mezirow, J. D. A critical theory of adult learning and education. Adult Education Quarterly, 32(1), 3-24. 1981.]])). This theory does not address general aspects of learning, but rather //**transformational learning**// in adults: the learning that **strongly influences learner**, his **beliefs** and **values**. This kind of learning results in "//new and revised interpretations of the meaning of an experience in the world.//"(([[http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/ace.301|Taylor, Edward W. “Transformative learning theory.” New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education 2008, no. 119: 5-15. 2008.]]))
-===== What is transformational learning theory? =====
-In 1981 Mezirow introduced the concept of //**meaning perspectives**//, which represent one's complete view on the world. Meaning perspectives are generated by a number of //**meaning schemata**//, each of which contains specific knowledge and values. Meaning perspectives are acquired passively until early adulthood and are later modified through transformational learning.
-These changes often come due to life experiences, often related to strong emotional responses. These may be personal crises like divorce, death of a friend or a family member, wars, natural or man-caused disasters, health crises, etc. What differs transformational learning from classical learning is the initial inability to fit the new material into the existing frames of schemata, what results in a need to change them. These-like experiences are also called //perspective transformations//.
-**In the classroom**, commonly three types of experience can result in transformational learning:
-  * **experience**,
-  * **critical reflection**, and
-  * **rational discourse**.
-Usually these follow one after another: a strong emotional experience fosters critical reflection and analysis of similar past experiences, which will, when discussed with others with different or similar points of view, result in new conclusions and a perspective transformation.
-===== What is the practical meaning of transformational learning theory? =====
-Different authors suggested different roles of students and teachers during the transformational learning. The role of the students is mostly to take responsibility for their learning and creating a pleasant environment, and suggestions to the teachers generally refer to
-  * creating a **safe environment** facilitating relationships characterized by **trust** and **care**,
-  * **understanding why** they want to encourage a change in students and not only how and which change,
-  * assisting in the development of the **critical reflection** in students,
-  * taking into consideration and talking about students' feelings,
-  * enabling their students to apply the new insights outside the classroom,
-  * helping others by sharing his experiences, and
-  * being a **role-model** displaying his own willingness to change and learn.
-===== Keywords and most important names =====
-  * **transformative learning theory**, **adult learning**, **meaning perspectives**, **meaning schemata**, **perspective transformations**, **experience**, **critical reflection**, **rational discourse**
-  * [[http://nlu.nl.edu/academics/cas/ace/resources/JackMezirow.cfm|Jack Mezirow]]
-===== Bibliography =====
-[[http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/ace.301|Taylor, Edward W. Transformative learning theory. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, no. 119: 5-15. 2008.]]
-[[http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/humanist/mezirow.html|Cooper, S. Theories of Learning in Educational Psychology. Jack Mezirow: Transformational Learning Theory.]] Retrieved April 1, 2011.
-===== Read more =====
-[[http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Transformation-Critical-Perspectives-Education/dp/0787948454#reader_0787948454|Mezirow, J., and Associates (eds.). Learning as Transformation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.]]
-[[http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Promoting-Transformative-Learning-Educators/dp/0787900176#reader_0787900176|Cranton, Patricia. Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning: A Guide for Educators of Adults. Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series. Jossey-Bass, 350 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-1310, 1994.]]

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